A new tool has been introduced to monitor extreme winds associated with storms in Valencia. Developed by the Climatoc-Lab of the Centre for Desertification Research, the Downburst MXO application allows for the real-time detection of downbursts using data from more than seven hundred weather stations across the region. This project is critical as these winds can pose severe risks to communities and infrastructure, similar in intensity to tornadoes.

The Downburst project, funded by the Generalitat’s Prometeo programme, investigates the impact of climate change on the frequency and severity of downbursts in the Mediterranean region. Preliminary findings suggest that global warming may be increasing the likelihood of such severe weather events. The tool aims to improve detection, attribution, and prediction methods, enhancing safety measures related to severe wind phenomena.

Dr César Azorín, head of the Climatoc-Lab and the project, highlighted the utility of this real-time monitoring system in mitigating risks, especially for aviation safety and wildfire propagation. The application incorporates an algorithm that continuously analyses data from the weather stations, identifying rapid changes in weather variables to detect downbursts.

Users can access the Downburst MXO application for free through the websites of Avamet, Climatoc-Lab, and the Downburst project. The system also includes a database for tracking downburst events, which will assist researchers and local authorities in evaluating the impacts of these phenomena. Regular updates and improvements to the system are planned, ensuring it meets the growing demand for climate-related data and services.